AZT
Pharmacology

Azithromycin, a semisynthetic antibiotic belonging to the macrolide subgroup of azalides, is used to treat STDs due to chlamydia and gonorrhea, community-acquired pneumonia, pelvic inflammatory disease, pediatric otitis media and pharyngitis, and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in patients with advanced HIV disease. Similar in structure to erythromycin. azithromycin reaches higher intracellular concentrations than erythromycin, increasing its efficacy and duration of action.

AZT
Absorption

37% (oral administration)

AZT
side effects and Toxicity

Potentially serious side effects of angioedema and cholestatic jaundice were reported

AZT
Patient Information

Patients should be instructed to take Zmax on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours following a
meal).

Patients should be instructed to immediately contact a physician if any signs of an allergic reaction occur.

Patients who vomit within the first hour should contact their health care provider about further treatment.

Keep bottle tightly closed. Store at room temperature. Use within 12 hours of constitution. Shake bottle well
before use. The entire contents of the bottle should be consumed.

Patients should be advised that Zmax may be taken without regard to antacids containing magnesium hydroxide and/or
aluminum hydroxide.

Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Zmax should only be used to treat bacterial
infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). Not taking the complete prescribed dose may
(1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop
resistance and will not be treatable by Zmax or other antibacterial drugs in the future.